Sensory Lab Technician

Mérieux NutriSciences - North America; Miami (FL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Mérieux NutriSciences - North America is seeking a Sensory Lab Technician based in Miami, Florida. The role involves preparing samples, maintaining documentation, and ensuring quality in testing procedures. A successful candidate will possess strong communication skills and a solid understanding of lab practices.

In this role, you will support monitoring of sample integrity and assist in problem-solving related to testing. Experience with Sensory Information Management Systems is desired, and safety practices are paramount in our kitchen and lab environment.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Sensory testing procedures and documentation.
• Ability to perform tasks with accuracy and attention.
• Understanding of safety procedures in a lab setting.

Responsibilities

• Prepare samples and maintain documentation.
• Set up rooms for testing and track sample movement.
• Evaluate samples for expiration and safety.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Basic lab practices

Tools

Sensory Information Management System

Computer skills

Job description

Position Summary: We are looking for a Sensory Lab Technician in 5707 Waterford District Dr, Miami, FL 33126 USA. Your mission will be to prepare samples for processing and maintain documentation to facilitate analysis procedures.

Essential Functions And Responsibilities

• Prepare samples using good overall lab practices and document each step, and ensure the testing area is sanitized after each set of samples.
• Set up the evaluation room for testing, which includes delivery and pickup of individual samples, basic daily cleanup, overall general knowledge, and expected behavior when exposed to external panelists.
• Track samples as they move through testing, ensuring communication with other groups about sample arrivals, sensory test schedules, and samples still needed to complete sensory sessions.
• Evaluate samples for expiration dates and proper and safe handling practices.
• Follow master preparation documentation, methods, and standard operating procedures and ensure documentation as required.
• Document training to meet quality systems and ask questions of supervisor to gain additional knowledge as it pertains to methods and processes within Sensory.
• Report all errors to Supervisor and assist in investigation for sensory non-conformances.
• Enter and review information as needed into the Sensory Information Management System (SIMS), stop test, look up samples, etc.
• Share information with clients, coworkers, supervisor and managers in a professional and courteous manner and ensure appropriate interaction with external panelists and potential participants.
• Share any supply needs to ensure stock is available and testing proceeds without interruption.
• Perform housekeeping tasks, update documents, sign off and place in binder for daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly records, ensuring work is completed, documented, signed and given to appropriate personnel.
• Support corporate quality and continuous improvement processes (TQM).
• Perform other related duties as needed.

Communication

• The incumbent has occasional contact with personnel outside the immediate working unit.

Success Factors / Job Competencies

• Interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Problem solving, organizational, and attention to detail.
• Ability to lift at least 25 pounds.

Qualifications Required

• Basic knowledge of Sensory to accurately perform testing procedures and obtain accurate results.
• General knowledge of basic preparation practices and documentation of practices to provide accurate records to clients.
• Understanding of sensory tests relative to general workflow, batch, and kitchen sheets, and ability to read documents to perform tasks within the department.
• Basic bench skills understanding the importance of measurements and overall good lab practices to uphold the integrity of testing performed.
• Planning skills to maintain supplies of analysis materials and ensure analysis is completed within specified time.
• Testing procedures require precise measurements to avoid problems; faulty procedures or improper sample preparation can cause issues.
• Samples must be prepared according to client testing requirements; testing may need to be repeated if not appropriately prepared.
• Identify the source of the problem to determine the method of solution.
• Follow standard procedures and established guidelines for solving testing problems.

Qualifications Desired

• Basic knowledge of personal computers to accurately enter testing data and results.
• General knowledge of the Sensory Information Management System required to process and record client testing data.
• Familiarity with preparation tools and utensils commonly used in prep kitchen.
• General knowledge of laboratory safety procedures and policies to ensure a safe working environment.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Works in a kitchen or office setting with proper lighting and temperature control; occasional exposure to heat from ovens will occur when in the kitchen.
• Safety equipment such as gloves and laboratory coat may need to be worn depending on the process.
• Continuous lifting of materials weighing between 10–50 pounds may be required during transport of client samples.
• Extended time spent in a standing position.

Travel

• None